Regulations will help protect fish

HALIFAX – New regulations will help protect fish native to Nova Scotia and the recreational sportfishing industry by addressing invasive species.

"Sportfishing is an important rural industry and we are introducing regulations to protect native fish in Nova Scotia," Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau said in a news release Wednesday. "A healthy and sustainable fishery is an important contributor to the economic and social life of Nova Scotia."

Invasive species are not naturally found in an area. They are introduced by people, sometimes accidentally, sometimes intentionally, who are often unaware of the consequences.

Smallmouth bass have been documented in more than 240 locations in Nova Scotia and chain pickerel occupy about 100 lakes. Both have had negative impacts on native species as they compete for space and diet. Invasive species have threatened the provincial sportfish, the speckled trout, and endangered species inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon and the Atlantic whitefish.

"The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters is extremely pleased the province has developed new regulations to help protect the recreational fishery of Nova Scotia," said Tony Rodgers, executive director of the federation. "The introduction of invasive species has begun, but it's not too late to take a stand and prevent additional introductions."

The new regulations will limit when people may possess live fish, reducing the chance of introducing invasive species to provincial waters.